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How to Import DWG / DXF objects

Modified on: Mon, 3 Oct, 2016 at 6:24 PM

The DXF / DWG files are drawing files originated in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program. There are different types of CAD files, however, in order to import a CAD file and start a project, Architect 3D (R) only imports 2D DXF / DWG floor plans.

Before you import your plan, it is important that you prepare and clean the file. To perform this job, there are many free CAD programs in the web.

1 – Set one level for each file (one file for the first floor, one file for the second, etc.).

4 – The program doesn’t import the layers so set all the elements in one layer =>in the example, there is just one layer called “Export” (outlined in red).

5 – “Purge” or “Clean” the file => almost all the CAD programs have a cleaning tool.

6 – Save your file as DWG or DXF, using an appropriate version => you can use any version 2004 or older, however, I recommend DWG Version 2000.

Note that you can import your plan bypassing the Quick Start screen => Continue => File => Import => DXF / DWG File. It is important to import the plan in the same unit system used to develop the CAD plan.

After you import the plan => use one of the dimensions tools to confirm if the plan was imported in the correct scale => in the image below the dimension in red is the imported dimension and the dimension outlined in blue was generated using the dimension tool.

After you imported the file, select each element of the plan => Convert To => you can convert the lines into Intelligent Objects like Walls, Decks, etc. Note that some elements like doors, windows, furniture must be inserted separately, because they are Components.

In order to make the conversion of walls, stairs, etc., try to select a line in the centre of the element.

As you convert the lines and shapes, set / verify the elevation of the different elements.